Rankings

Boys Track And Field

High School Sports

March 19, 2004

RANKINGS

1. Old Mill

Last season: ranked No. 2

One area coach likened the Patriots to another Patriots team in New England because of their lack of a weakness. The addition of Kevin Barnes, the defending Class 4A state champion in the high jump, could bring Old Mill its first Class 4A state championship since 1991.

2. Mount St. Joseph

Last season: No. 4

The Gaels have collected three straight Maryland Private Schools state crowns and posted three consecutive undefeated dual-meet seasons. Mount St. Joseph could join Calvert Hall and Gilman as the only three-time winners of the MIAA championship.

There was a time when the Mustangs owned the area, winning three straight Class 4A state crowns between 1995 and 1997. The development of several promising jumpers and throwers and momentum from a victory at the Class 3A-2A state indoor meet this winter could signal the end of Mervo's state-title drought.

4. Calvert Hall

Last season: unranked

The Cardinals are the only MIAA program to capture four conference championships. Calvert Hall appears to be ready to reassume that tradition if it can unearth some throwers to complement a solid corps of jumpers, pole-vaulters and hurdlers.

5. Oakland Mills

Last season: No. 10

With more field events in outdoor track, a sprint-heavy squad like the Scorpions might fall short. But Oakland Mills has proven to be anything but usual, winning nine state championships since 1989.

6. Glenelg

Last season: unranked

The Gladiators are blessed with talent in the sprints, the distance races, the hurdles and the pole vault. The only obstacle is finding a group of throwers that could help Glenelg in its quest to upend Middletown.

7. Annapolis

Last season: unranked

While the quantity isn't what it used to be, the quality has remained top-notch for the Panthers. Annapolis seems poised to convert its runner-up finish at the Class 3A state meet two years ago into the school's first state championship.

8. Woodlawn

Last season: No. 6

With 12 seniors on the roster, the Warriors' experience could take them places. They also have a couple of Division I recruits from the football team.

9. Arch. Spalding

Last season: unranked

The Cavaliers have made incremental gains in an MIAA conference long dominated by Calvert Hall, Gilman and Mount St. Joseph. Backed by a deep distance corps and an emerging group of sprinters.

10. McDonogh

Last season: No. 3

The Eagles' defense of their first MIAA A Conference championship suffered a loss with the season-ending leg injury to standout distance runner Tristram Thomas.